The wine regions that are worth a spot on your travel wish-list

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply like a glass at dinner, find your new favourite tipple amongst some of the world’s best wine regions. 

There’s nothing quite like a good glass of wine. It can elevate meals, add an extra dimension to a classic safari experience, and ease you into a relaxing evening by the sea. While varieties can be found almost anywhere in the world, with the global wine industry worth just under £400 billion in 2025, it’s worth venturing further afield to find the best tipples. 

Whether you’re a regular wine-drinker or are keen to try something new while on holiday, there are plenty of wine-making spots which should rank highly on any travel wish-list. From Italy’s prosperous northern vineyards to the most celebrated southern-hemisphere wine regions across South America, Oceania and Africa, here are six destinations you won’t want to miss out on.  

Which wine regions are worth a spot on your travel wish-list? 

Minho, Portugal  

There are plenty of world-class wine regions across the Iberian Peninsula, from the winding Douro Valley to Spain’s La Rioja, but few are as unique as the Minho. Nestled in the northwest of Portugal, this fascinating province is known locally as the ‘Birthplace of the Nation’ and comprises fairytale villages, idyllic Atlantic Coast gems, and a handful of historic city centres.  

Beyond these highlights, though, the region comes into its own with its renowned wine farms, which produce some of Western Europe’s finest vintages. Vinho Verde, with its refreshing citrus notes, is one such wine and is exclusively produced in Portugal’s northwest. For the best tasting experience, visit the Minho at the height of summer and pair your crisp Vinho Verde with some of the region’s fresh seafood delicacies.  

Our recommended tour – Hidden Portugal 

Tuscany, Italy 

Another of Europe’s biggest wine producers, Italy is similarly inundated with spectacular vineyard-laden countryside which deserves a visit in its own right. Famed for its Barolos, Chiantis, Amarones and Brunellos, suffice to say this Mediterranean favourite has more than a few choices for wine lovers. While you’re likely to find wine farms dotting the landscapes wherever you go, spots like Puglia, the country’s southern ‘heel’, and the historic Veneto are always popular.  

The best choice for wine-tastings, though, has to be Tuscany. Enclosed by rolling hills and enchanting Renaissance towns, visiting this Northern Italian region feels like stepping back a century or two into the past. With its unspoilt vistas, cobbled streets and exquisite vineyards, Tuscany’s rich heritage sites are as impressive as its natural beauty, and there are few places better for an evening drink with a view than this delightful destination. 

Our recommended tour – Portofino, Florence & Tuscany 

Cape Winelands, South Africa 

Though it’s perhaps the wildlife for which South Africa is best known, the Western Cape Winelands are well worth a visit on their own. Situated only an hour’s drive from colourful Cape Town, this region is a treasure chest of colonial-era architecture, rambling mountain scenery, and exquisite wine estates. In terms of variety, the region is unrivalled with award-winning labels ranging from award-winning Chenin Blancs and Shirazes to deep Pinotages and rich Cabernet Sauvignons.  

The region’s ‘Big Three’ wine towns, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, make up a popular triangular tourist route, but nearby Wellington and rural Worcester are just as highly rated. While here, be sure to admire the classical Dutch colonial buildings under your own steam and soak up the scenery over a chilled glass of local wine at one of the town’s wine bars.  

Our recommended tour – Cape Town, the Garden Route & Big Five Safari  

Barossa Valley, Australia 

When it comes to wine spots further afield, there aren’t many that stand out quite like the wild ‘Land Down Under’. Amongst Oceania’s thriving wine-making towns, the Barossa Valley ranks highest on our list. Nestled among the rolling hills of South Australia, just an hour's drive north of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is one of the New World's most celebrated wine regions, and it's not hard to see why.  

Producing some of Australia's finest local labels, especially its bold Shiraz and Grenache blends, the valley has a distinctly German feel to it, having been cultivated by European settlers in the 18th century. Beyond the barrel cellars, of which there are more than 150, the Barossa Valley also offers charming towns and a relaxed atmosphere that makes lingering over long lunches feel less like an indulgence and more like a necessity. If you’re keen to add more wine-making routes to your Australian escape, Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards are more than worth a visit as well.  

Our recommended tour – Australia Uncovered 

The Casablanca Valley, Chile

To South America now, and one of the most popular emerging wine-growing destinations is Chile’s northern Maipo Valley. Sandwiched between the cosmopolitan national capital, Santiago, and the coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, this renowned cool-weather destination is the ideal choice for refreshing white wines. 

Also of interest nearby are the Maipo and San Antonio Valleys. Known worldwide for their reds, these two wine regions are also incredible close to the Casablanca Valley, making it easy to enjoy the highlights of Chilean winemaking on a single trip. If you’re feeling inspired by the mountainous scenery, too, you’ll find plenty more memorable sights further south in breathtaking Patagonia. 

Our recommended tour – The Natural Wonders of Brazil, Argentina & Patagonia 

Plaines Wilhem, Mauritius 

Though it’s not exactly a wine region in the traditional sense, Mauritius’ bustling western province, Plaines Wilhems, hosts one of Africa’s most unique vineyards. The Takamaka Boutique Winery, looking out over the Vacoas Reservoir, is the only estate in the world to exclusively produce lychee wines. Fragrant, smooth and generally sweeter than other white wine varieties, this tropical variety alone is worth a visit – the rest of Mauritius’ colourful highlights are simply an added bonus.  

Our recommended tour – On Safari in South Africa with Mauritius Beach 

Taste the world’s best wine regions with Newmarket Holidays 

Ready to stop teasing your taste buds? If you’re keen to take your own wine-tasting tour, or to find out more information on each of these exquisite, featured regions, give our friendly holiday planners a call today. If your heart lies somewhere else in the world, we also have a broad range of escorted tours, spanning six continents, which you can browse on our dedicated destinations page.